ALEXANDRIA
In 2006, the Government of Egypt (represented by the Ministry of International Cooperation), the World Bank, and the Cities Alliance initiated the Participatory Development Programme in three informal settlements in the Governorate of Alexandria:
- Amrawy Area in the district of Montaza
- Hadara El Gededa Area in the district of Wasat
- Nag El Arab Area in the district of Gharb
The problems in these two areas are manifold. Rubbish is not collected, and supports colonies of rodents. Lack of a sewerage system means mosquitoes and other insects proliferate. The water supply is inadequate. Air and noise pollution come from surrounding industries. There are security problems. The roads are in poor condition, as are some mosques. There are problems with bread distribution. Illiteracy and unemployment rates are high and antisocial behaviour widespread. School attendance is low. Residents suffer from a lack of services such as telephone and postal services, streetlights, and markets. Public health and youth services are nonexistent.
On the other hand, there is considerable political support for development and a number of local leaders are co-operating with the Programme. A “Stakeholderâs Council” has been formed in each area and existing NGOs in the two neighbourhoods can be the focal point for developmental activities.
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Projects in Amrawy, Hadara El Gededa, and Nag El Arab include:
- Paving roads, installing sewerage systems, covering sewerage canals, and planting trees.
- Establishing a public hospital and introducing medical caravans to the area.
- Building a womenâs skills enhancement centre and new public schools.
- Building pedestrian bridges, rehabilitating a playing field, and constructing a new youth centre.
- Establishing a police station, post office, and computer centre.
- Establishing a credit unit system.
- Improving access to the area and within neighbourhoods; providing bus routes.
- In addition, tenure security and land legalisation issues are being addressed by government agencies, and a land office in each area is being built.